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Today was largely overcast with the occasional glimpse of the sun. Jackie drove us to Mudeford and back.
We began with Avon Beach , which this couple walked along.
Maybe they reached as far as Friar’s Cliff Beach to the left.
The spray from the waves whooshing onto the shore reflected the red-brown tints of the seaweed they brought with them.
Gulls picked their way among the vegetation and the myriads of flies rising from it.
Dogs periodically dashed after the birds.
They would probably be astounded if they ever caught one.
Bobbing up and down amidst the choppy surface, the gulls showed how surfing should be done.
Especially the synchronised version.
A family stepped out on a stone breakwater,
then one member photographed the others as I focussed on the Lifeguards Hut.
Periodically the sunlight slashed the horizon,
or pierced the clouds with gentler Jesus beams.
We moved on to Mudeford Quay, where the above photograph was taken.
A series of motor dinghies braved the choppy waters.
They battled through conflicting currents before turning to starboard and slaloming a series of buoys on their way to the open sea.
We think this is another Lifeguards Hut on a spit opposite the quay.
This evening we dined at Royal China in Lymington, where we enjoyed the usual excellent food and friendly service. We both drank Tsingtao beer.
What lovely beach pictures. Thanks for taking us along!
Thank you, Lynn
most welcome
I love that pic with the line of sunlight bisecting the sky and water. 😀
Truly amazing
Beautiful photos, Derrick. I love that one, too!
Many thanks, Merril
Thanks, Widdershins
Suzie Kelly wrote a book called ‘Travels with Tinkerbelle’ in which she and her husband and dogs set off to circumnavigate France in a van. I remember vividly her description of one of the dogs catching a Gull and his bewildered triumph – my reaction would be horror being phobic of flapping and feathers. I loved your pictures – particularly the foaming rushing sea!
Many thank, Osyth. A fun comment
Ahh, another sunny day in old Blighty. Still, the photographer near the hut is catching a shadow, so there must have been a few rays, such as you have caught in the Jesus shot. Very evocative.
That should have read “casting a shadow” grr to predictive text.
Don’t worry: Derrick’s text has “myriads of [obv. drug-addled] flies using from it”, rather than “rising”. It IS teeth-gritting, but that’s what you get when someone else supplies your software ‘for free’.
Thanks, Paul. Now corrected
Thanks, Gwen. Yes, that shot was in a few moments of sunshine, which made it, really
Siddy once chased a young starling who was injured and couldn’t fly far. He was completely bewildered when it didn’t continue the game……… and really there was no need for me to come roaring up to rescue it as he just sat and looked at the poor wee thing. Your ‘Jesus beams’ raised a chuckle 🙂
I’d never heard this phrase before. This in wide use, Derrick, or did you coin it?
I’ve heard it before…used to describe crepuscular rays of the sun that seem to converge at one point in the sky as they break through the clouds toward earth. My own idiosyncratic thought is that they’re like something from a Renaissance religious painting where God suddenly appears brightly among the clouds and , as in the Sistine Chapel ceiling, stretches out a finder to touch Adam….or one of those paintings of the Ascension, with Jesus rising into heaven on such beams of light…..
Thanks, Cynthia. That sounds like a plausible explanation to me.
See, Cynthia J’s comment, Paul. I hadn’t heard it either until Jackie used it last year.
I’ve heard them called “Jacob’s ladders” – It’s very Biblical, either way.
Yes. See Cynthia J’s comment
Many thanks, Pauline. In Newark, we had a dog that would circle a hedgehog wondering where the entrance was.
Oh ho that is so funny – and cute!!
Excellent photos. And taste in beer.
Hahahaha.. that beer 🍻 got your attention ehh???
Very nice photos Derrick, thank you for sharing! 🙂
Yesss. Thanks for sharing
What a beautiful arrays of pictures and indentations…
Love ❤️ your presentations of the story of a day at the beach 🌊…
Indeed
He did take us along.. didn’t he
Stunning photos! Thank you for sharing them with us!
Thank you, too, Sofia
I have done some swimming at Mudeford! Love the desirable seaside residences … er, lifeguard huts!
An enjoyable set of shots.
Many thanks, Colonialist
I think those are beach huts, privately-owned shelters for those desirous of their own personal place beside the sea. Derrick featured them in a post about Calshot, about 2 or 3 week ago.
In fact, see Derrick’s reply a few comments below, with a link to that article
I have seen the rows of them at various places along the coast in UK (never in South Africa), and been amazed at the outlay people make for such amenities. The sorts of comforts of home that can be stored there are easily enough transported, and does one really want to be on the beach at all if it is a day when shelter is needed?
My sentiments entirely, Colonialist
I am always amazed at the way weather and ambient light by the sea can cause such wonderful magic to what we see, or the camera sees. The photos of the ocean seem almost from a time of sepia tones…
Once again, you express a thought I had but didn’t include. Those colours do just that. Thanks very much, Cynthia
What a lovely stroll along the beach. Felt as though I was there with you.
Many thanks, Miriam
A trip to the beach was exactly what I needed after a long day. I’m happy you and Jackie are out and about once again. Loved the “Jesus beams,” Derrick!
Thanks very much, Jill
Such a great and unusual collection of beach photographs, Derrick. I like the way your sense of humor comes into play in “synchronized” ducks on the water. 🙂
The waves, photos of people and boats were all entertaining and nicely captured!
Many thanks, Robin
What a lovely day it seems and rather out of the norm the pictures for a day at the beach 🙂
Thank you Geetha, for knowing that I do like to do something different
Welcome, you definitely do and it is a good thing you do so as your photography is always remarkably beautiful
🙂
Ah! My favourite – Mudeford. I know all the bits well – thanks for taking me along for some lovely memories – Sol
I’m very pleased, Sol. Thank you
Wonderful walk along the beach…
Thank you, stadtauge.
Derrick, the sweet little buildings on Friars’ Cliff Beach – what are they? I love the colors & the whole layout of that photo, in particular.
They are Beach Huts like the ones in this post: https://derrickjknight.com/2016/09/23/defending-southampton-water/ They are for daytime use only, to give people a base on the beach. Thanks, Jodie
Oh, I love that! We have nothing like that around here. They are so sweet – and very convenient, I am sure.
Gosh, if I was that family you captured on the seawall, I would have wanted you to get me that photo. Beautiful tour. I’m determined to get to UK next year! And I’m stealing the Jesus beams thing 🙂
Thanks very much, Sharon
It is wonderful that you didn’t wait for a special weather. I am procrastinating, waiting for a miracle weather forecast. Your post is very inspiring, and I decided to go tomorrow in any weather 🙂
That looks like it was a wonderful day! I love overcast days at the beach even though I haven’t gotten to go to one in a few years! Lovely photos and the dinner out sounds nice, too. 🙂
The colors in these photos are wonderful! Unexpected for a beach, and very nice.
Thank you, Ellen. That sepia tinge immediately called to me
Lovely pictures, a day spent beautifully!! 🙂
Many thanks, Mithai
You are welcome, have a great day 😀